Kotor, Montenegro, is a captivating destination, nestled within a dramatic fjord-like bay, offering a compelling mix of historical charm and natural beauty. Visitors discover its UNESCO-protected Old Town, a labyrinth of medieval architecture and cobblestone streets that lead to impressive fortifications and breathtaking panoramic views of the bay.
The heart of Kotor's social scene lies within its Old Town, where the evenings come alive with numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants. For those looking to connect with fellow travelers, particularly backpackers, many hostels within and near the Old Town actively foster a lively community atmosphere, organizing events like pub crawls, shared meals, and walking tours.
Top 6 Things to do in Kotor
Kotor offers a blend of historical exploration, active outdoor pursuits, and scenic boat trips around its stunning bay.
1. Climbing to San Giovanni Fortress (Kotor City Walls)
The ascent to San Giovanni Fortress offers an immersive journey through history, winding up ancient fortifications above the Old Town. The path provides increasingly spectacular panoramic views of Kotor Bay and the terracotta rooftops below, culminating in the impressive fortress ruins. It is a rewarding experience for those seeking both historical insight and breathtaking vistas. Wearing sturdy footwear and carrying water is advisable due to the steep, sometimes uneven steps.
Cost: The entrance fee is €15 per person (as of late 2024) between 8 AM and 8 PM. It is possible to climb for free outside these hours, for example, for a sunrise hike.
Transport: The main entrance is easily accessible directly from Kotor's Old Town, making it a walkable activity.
2. Wandering Through Kotor Old Town
Stepping into Kotor's UNESCO-protected Old Town feels like travelling back in time. The labyrinthine cobblestone streets reveal Venetian architecture, charming squares, historic churches, and palaces around every corner. It is a place to get wonderfully lost, discovering hidden cafes and artisan shops. The ambiance shifts from lively during the day to tranquil in the evenings, offering a different perspective as illuminated walls glow serenely.
Cost: Exploring the Old Town is free.
Transport: Kotor Old Town is the central hub and is fully walkable. No transport is needed once inside.
3. Boat Trip to Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast
A boat trip across Kotor Bay transports visitors to the picturesque town of Perast and its iconic artificial island, Our Lady of the Rocks. Perast, a Baroque town, invites exploration of its waterfront palaces and churches. A short boat ride from Perast leads to Our Lady of the Rocks, an islet with a captivating church and museum, built over centuries by local seafarers. The journey across the bay provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the charming coastal towns. Remember to wear modest attire when visiting the church on the island.
Cost: A return water taxi from Perast to Our Lady of the Rocks costs around €5 per person. The entrance fee for the church and museum is an additional €2. Organised speed boat tours from Kotor, often including Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks, start from approximately €15-€21 per person for a 1.5-hour tour.
Transport: To reach Perast from Kotor, local Blue Line buses run frequently, taking about 25-30 minutes and costing around €1.50-€2 per person. Taxis typically cost around €20-€22. Many boat tours depart directly from Kotor's marina or City Park.
4. Hiking the Ladder of Kotor
The Ladder of Kotor presents an alternative, less crowded hiking trail that zigzags up the slopes behind the Old Town. This ancient path, known for its 70+ switchbacks, offers an intense but rewarding climb with breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Bay of Kotor and the surrounding mountains. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a more adventurous and physically active experience, with clear pathways and signs guiding the way. Bringing ample water and wearing proper hiking shoes is essential.
Cost: The Ladder of Kotor hike is free.
Transport: The trailhead is located just outside Kotor's Old Town, near the Old Hydroelectric Power Plant, and is easily accessible on foot from the centre.
5. Kotor Bay Boat Tour to the Blue Cave
Embarking on a comprehensive boat tour of Kotor Bay allows visitors to witness its stunning natural beauty from the water. These tours often include highlights such as cruising past the fortified island of Mamula, exploring old submarine tunnels, and swimming in the radiant Blue Cave. The Blue Cave, known for its striking blue glow from the reflected sunlight, offers a memorable swimming experience in crystal-clear waters. These tours provide a fantastic way to enjoy the Adriatic Sea and discover hidden gems around the bay.
Cost: Group boat tours to the Blue Cave, Our Lady of the Rocks, and other bay attractions typically cost around €43-€59 per person for a 3-hour trip. Private tours are also available for a higher price.
Transport: Tours generally depart from the Kotor City Park or the marina, both centrally located and walkable from the Old Town.
6. Strolling the Dobrota Waterfront
Just north of the bustling Old Town lies Dobrota, offering a tranquil escape with its charming waterfront promenade. This scenic stretch, extending for several kilometres, is lined with inviting cafes, bars, and restaurants, providing a perfect setting for a leisurely walk. It is an opportunity to experience a more local pace of life and enjoy uninterrupted views across the Bay of Kotor, away from the Old Town crowds. Stopping at one of the pebbly beaches, such as Žuta Plaža, allows for moments of relaxation by the water.
Cost: Strolling the waterfront is free.
Transport: Dobrota is a short, pleasant walk north of Kotor's Old Town, easily accessible on foot.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
